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As the title of this blog states, I have a confession to make. While it won't affect most of you, it is important and I do want to get it out in the open. Despite what it says in my TL profile, and despite what I have told some people, I am 13 years old. Like I said, you might not care at all about this but I felt that as I was getting deeper into the world of esports and writing for Teamliquid, I needed to make sure people knew.
Now, should you care, I am sure you will want to know exactly why I lied. To explain it fully, I am going to have to give you some background. When I first signed up to this site, I was the tender age of 11. Due to this I was not exactly experienced in the ways of the internet, and TL specifically, and I was worried that I would be made fun of because of the common stereotype that all people of that age are immature idiots. So since I was just a random poster, I didn't think there would be any harm in telling people I was in my 20s when they asked my age. After all, they aren't ever going to follow up on that because it's all too likely they don't care. As I continued to immerse myself in Starcraft 2, I noticed that younger gamers such as myself were actually accepted. The success of people such as Najzmajs' stream, and the relative youth of pros such as Pokebunny made me ponder if I'd done the wrong thing. After a while, I decided that it still didn't matter. I was just Random Poster X, nobody cares in the slightest about what I say.
As time passed by, I stayed just as passionate if not more so for Starcraft 2 than ever. I began getting involved in editing Liquipedia and getting to know the wonderful community surrounding that, and I really felt as if I had found my home. Everyone there was friendly, helpful and up for a good laugh. I did not feel comfortable lying to the people I considered friends, but once again did it really matter? It was unlikely I'd meet them in real life and despite the fact that people my age (I am 13 at this point) are generally accepted by the community if they are mature. So I kept editing away at LP, stacking up the coins and enjoying myself in the process. I got to know all the regular contributors who hanged out in IRC pretty well, which just worsened my feelings about lying to them.
A few months passed, and Teamliquid began recruiting writers. Now already having done a piece for a Liquipedia News Article, I thought I might as well go for it. I got accepted and I was ecstatic. Finally I would have a chance to contribute to TL, getting recognition for watching the game I love then writing about the game I love.
This brings me onto the explanation. Since I am now (kinda) staff, I feel obligated to reveal the truth before I get too far into writing. I do this, hoping that you will not feel betrayed or upset. While I could just be very melodramatic, I don't want to hurt people's feelings. While I understand if you feel like you can't trust me now, I want you to still consider me a friend and someone you can talk to and joke with. I am also making this blog so the staff know. I'd rather tell you now, when I'm not even properly staff than in 10 years when by some off chance I meet a fellow staff member in real life and he says 'You look awfully young for 30+ year old...'. I hope everyone who cares about this can forgive me, and even if you can't trust me or are upset with me, you will let me continue doing the work I love. I would be incredibly saddened to be unable to continue to write, or continue to edit LP without being shunned by the fantastic community supporting it. While I am young, I have shown that I am mature enough to engage in actual conversations with people often times twice my age. It was hard for me to post this blog in the first place, but I knew if I didn't I would regret it. Once again, I apologise for lying and deceiving whomever may be reading this, and I hope you can forgive me for it.
  
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I would've never believed if someone else told me you are just 13, indeed you have shown maturity beyond the level of some other posters twice your age. I embrace you for coming out of the age-closet, accept the apology and forgive you.
+ Show Spoiler +I kind of wish I was still 13, things were so much easier back then, + Show Spoiler +right now I almost can't handle my situation.
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Thanks Cokefreak, I hope whatever you're dealing with ends up okay as you're an awesome guy 
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East Gorteau22261 Posts
So what if you're 13? You're mature, you're a good writer and you're more than capable of arguing (somewhat) level-headedly. I think you're a cool guy, and anyone who thinks age should matter more than maturity can (not so kindly) GTFO.
Cheers.
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Don't worry about it. Just enjoy being 13. I am 15 and I miss being 13 very badly lol
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goddamn i feel old as fuck being 21
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I thought it was a lie. I'm 26 and safe to say, I could not write like that when I was 13.
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Yeah I don't think anyone really cares. That Pokebunny guy is like 12 or something. Plus this community is full of kids these days (thanks Reddit).
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Thanks for all the support, it really reassures me that actually posting this blog and facing the (possibly negative) consequences was worth it ^^
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Just don't forget to spend time IRL with actual people! Even if writing is your passion, don't miss out in your formative teen angst emo opportunities when you have 70+ years to get paid while writing on your (insert next gen 4G device here) at work while getting paid!
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As long as you stop complaining about MMR hell, you're forgiven. =D
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On February 28 2013 02:53 r.Evo wrote:
As long as you stop complaining about MMR hell, you're forgiven. =D
I realise it doesn't exist now, it was just me getting a tad annoyed about my stupidly long losing streak xD
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On February 28 2013 02:53 r.Evo wrote:
As long as you stop complaining about MMR hell, you're forgiven. =D
ha, my first thoughts as well.
Sucks you felt you had to lie about your age instead of letting your posting do the talking. I can see why you'd have reservations but if you contribute to the community at 9, 13, 50, or 80, makes no difference to me.
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Lalalaland34486 Posts
Heh, I knew you seemed a bit young, I guessed about 14 or 15 when I was talking to someone else a while back. But I never cared too much about it because it doesn't matter.
Now that you're taking on more and more responsibility, just be careful with what you say and do. On a forum your posts your attitude more than anything. Before you hit the post button, always reread it and think twice, 'Does this post reflect well on myself?'
It's been fun to get to know you kollin, keep up the enthusiasm ^_^
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On February 28 2013 03:10 crms wrote:Show nested quote +On February 28 2013 02:53 r.Evo wrote:
As long as you stop complaining about MMR hell, you're forgiven. =D ha, my first thoughts as well. Sucks you felt you had to lie about your age instead of letting your posting do the talking. I can see why you'd have reservations but if you contribute to the community at 9, 13, 50, or 80, makes no difference to me.
To be fair, he would have to lie anyway. IIRC you have to be 13 or older to register on TL, so if you are younger than that, while it may not make a diference to you, it would be against the ToS. I think some accounts have already been banned for this sole reason, even accounts that TL didn't really want to ban but was forced to because of the possible legal ramifications of ignoring the law.
And if you are going to lie anyway, you may say you are older.
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Damn.. 13? I seriously didn't even believe this post until I saw the comments :o, thought you were like 20 or something.
Anyways I think I'm a tad younger than some people around here might think, so I'm glad to see people are so accepting of it .
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That is only true for the US.
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On February 28 2013 03:43 Cokefreak wrote:
That is only true for the US.
If you are talking about my post, yes, it's a US law, and TL is based on New York, so it applies to TL.
Here's one of the accounts banned by it:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=339508
http://www.ftc.gov/ogc/coppa1.htm is given as the closing reason
This was the ban reason:
+ Show Spoiler +uNAware was just banned by motbob.
That account was created on 2011-04-20 09:22:45 and had 52 posts.
Reason: The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 is a federal law that places certain restrictions on websites when dealing with persons under the age of 13. Because of this, TL does not allow users under the age of 13 to use this website.
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You're a great writer and always came across as smart and mature when reading your stuff. No worries, I've never put much thought into personal details on the internet such as age as they're so difficult to verify (and not being judged on these is half the reason we're here, eh?) - I only judge people online on the quality of what they do, so no need to apologize I feel, though apology accept anyway!
And blimey you're 13! I'm pushing 30! Please make the most of your childhood! Your writing is fantastic, just make sure you still climb trees.
EDIT: also, was now the right time for the blog? I mean - SO CLOSE TO 3K POSTS!!!!
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quite the writer
them grammar skills!
anyways congrats, no shame in what you are doing
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Definitely mature beyond 13 years, the only thing that I even raised an eyebrow was when you were asked about your age in the first place, I've never encountered a situation on TL where my age has ever even mattered in the discussion + Show Spoiler + Minus all the dating/breakup/worst gf threads because it almost justifies all the bad decisions made...
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If anything, you have my respect for being so mature in your age. My son is 9 years old and he sadly comes nowhere close that level of maturity you have.. <.< >.>
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On February 28 2013 03:48 SKC wrote:If you are talking about my post, yes, it's a US law, and TL is based on New York, so it applies to TL. Here's one of the accounts banned by it: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=339508http://www.ftc.gov/ogc/coppa1.htm is given as the closing reason This was the ban reason: + Show Spoiler +uNAware was just banned by motbob.
That account was created on 2011-04-20 09:22:45 and had 52 posts.
Reason: The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 is a federal law that places certain restrictions on websites when dealing with persons under the age of 13. Because of this, TL does not allow users under the age of 13 to use this website.
The law only applies to American citizens though.
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On February 28 2013 04:26 Cokefreak wrote:Show nested quote +On February 28 2013 03:48 SKC wrote:On February 28 2013 03:43 Cokefreak wrote:
That is only true for the US. If you are talking about my post, yes, it's a US law, and TL is based on New York, so it applies to TL. Here's one of the accounts banned by it: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=339508http://www.ftc.gov/ogc/coppa1.htm is given as the closing reason This was the ban reason: + Show Spoiler +uNAware was just banned by motbob.
That account was created on 2011-04-20 09:22:45 and had 52 posts.
Reason: The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 is a federal law that places certain restrictions on websites when dealing with persons under the age of 13. Because of this, TL does not allow users under the age of 13 to use this website. The law only applies to American citizens though.
Isn't it the case of sites on US servers being prohibited from offer services to minors full stop rather than specifically American minors?
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On February 28 2013 03:22 Firebolt145 wrote:
Heh, I knew you seemed a bit young, I guessed about 14 or 15 when I was talking to someone else a while back. But I never cared too much about it because it doesn't matter.
Now that you're taking on more and more responsibility, just be careful with what you say and do. On a forum your posts your attitude more than anything. Before you hit the post button, always reread it and think twice, 'Does this post reflect well on myself?'
It's been fun to get to know you kollin, keep up the enthusiasm ^_^
I do think there are times when I show my age in my posts, especially when I'm tired or frustrated. Hopefully as I grow older that will change. A pleasure getting to know you, and the rest of the EVE/Dota guys should you be reading this, too
You're a great writer and always came across as smart and mature when reading your stuff. No worries, I've never put much thought into personal details on the internet such as age as they're so difficult to verify (and not being judged on these is half the reason we're here, eh?) - I only judge people online on the quality of what they do, so no need to apologize I feel, though apology accept anyway!
And blimey you're 13! I'm pushing 30! Please make the most of your childhood! Your writing is fantastic, just make sure you still climb trees.
EDIT: also, was now the right time for the blog? I mean - SO CLOSE TO 3K POSTS!!!!
Thanks mate, I realised how close I was to 3k as soon as I posted the blog ^^
I definitely am still having a childhood, I do sports and such but also balance it with writing because I feel like it is a good way to express my personality and creativity that school or whatever other outlet normally available might not provide.
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There are at least a few streamers under 13 on TL, najzmajs being probably the most known.
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Wow :O nice.
Props. You've sure got me beat.
Signed up to TL at 12... took me more than four years to make it to staff. 
In reality though, I've learned a lot about how to act as a younger gamer, and it's extremely true that most people of your age (my age previously) really do make us cast in a bad light. It's actually a smart move to not draw a ton of attention to your age, I somewhat regret it. No need to hide it, but flaunting it is also kind of silly.
Anyway, glad to have you (sort of) on staff glhf and I definitely wouldn't have noticed if you didn't say anything, which is a good sign.
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I appreciate the kind words Poke, always nice to have another baby staff member
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Magic Woods9326 Posts
Yeah no I don't believe it ;; When did you start playing bw then?
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East Gorteau22261 Posts
On February 28 2013 05:06 kollin wrote:I appreciate the kind words Poke, always nice to have another baby staff member
So bm
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I am 13, what do you expect??
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Magic Woods9326 Posts
On February 28 2013 05:14 kollin wrote:
Like mid 2011 I think?
So you were what 11/12 o_o?
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Yep, I was 11. I think I was still younger than Suppy ^^
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I remember pretending to be 16 when I was a 13 year old on the internet, for exactly the reasons you state (e.g. wanting people to take me seriously). Definitely know that feeling.
Also, at the time, 16 seemed impossibly old and mature to me. I'm now 26. The years go by fast :p
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Magic Woods9326 Posts
waaaaat the fuck, I actually thought when you must have been born, my initial thought was 97 but then it dawned on me that you're born 99/00 O_O
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To the approval of Pokebunny, I was born in '99.
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I'm not sure how to respond to that.
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Now, should you care, I am sure you will want to know exactly why I lied.
Nope. next!
User was temp banned for this post.
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Well, this wasn't directed at you as I have never ever interacted with you in any medium.
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East Gorteau22261 Posts
On February 28 2013 06:20 number01 wrote:Nope. next!
"Hey look at me, I'll post in this serious blog to say that I don't care! Look at me, guys!
Come on.
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Well, this wasn't directed at you as I have never ever interacted with you in any medium.
Maybe i did not expressed myself correctly. But its not the end of the world, i am sure you will work this out very well. Do you feel kind of guilty though?
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Your age is irrelevant. This is the internet, people will judge what you actually produce.
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On February 28 2013 06:27 number01 wrote:Show nested quote +Well, this wasn't directed at you as I have never ever interacted with you in any medium. Maybe i did not expressed myself correctly. But its not the end of the world, i am sure you will work this out very well. Do you feel kind of guilty though?
I don't feel guilty after seeing the reactions to this blog. At first I wasn't sure what people would think, but then it turned out they didn't care about my age, but in fact my personality. It only increases my belief that the people on TL are some of the nicest you will ever meet.
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Switzerland2892 Posts
On February 28 2013 07:01 kollin wrote:Show nested quote +On February 28 2013 06:27 number01 wrote:Well, this wasn't directed at you as I have never ever interacted with you in any medium. Maybe i did not expressed myself correctly. But its not the end of the world, i am sure you will work this out very well. Do you feel kind of guilty though? I don't feel guilty after seeing the reactions to this blog. At first I wasn't sure what people would think, but then it turned out they didn't care about my age, but in fact my personality. It only increases my belief that the people on TL are some of the nicest you will ever meet.
Booooooooh! You're a big fat phony!
Get ready for more oracles the next hots game we play together
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Ok I will go for a super meta 3cc engineering bay build.
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On February 28 2013 07:12 kollin wrote:
Ok I will go for a super meta 3cc engineering bay build.
Mass PF is so OP in bronze.
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Germany25657 Posts
Can you get a mic now so we can play dota2 properly? Please? 
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I wonder if mass nexus cannon is a viable build.
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On February 28 2013 02:32 Cokefreak wrote:I would've never believed if someone else told me you are just 13, indeed you have shown maturity beyond the level of some other posters twice your age. I embrace you for coming out of the age-closet, accept the apology and forgive you. + Show Spoiler +I kind of wish I was still 13, things were so much easier back then, + Show Spoiler +right now I almost can't handle my situation.
Get off the coke!
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It does not matter if your 13 or 30 but rather what you have contributed to this site. You don't measure one's life by the number of years that a person has lived but rather by the quality of life they had lived.
TL is the same thing, it doesn't matter how long you have been on this site but rather what you have contributed to it during your duration. Keep up the work kollin and maybe you can become staff quicker than pokebunny :p (You still have two years)
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Yeah people who use their age as an excuse for being jackasses bug me and you're a perfect example of why. You've shown that 13 year olds can be plenty mature and non-jackassy!
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Dang.
Now I won't be able to have as much fun antagonizing you in irc. It's kinda hard to get past the fact that instead of poking fun at an old guy, you're actually picking on a kid and that really kills the feeling of being witty. J/k, you have shown maturity beyond your years for sure so prepare yourself to be made fun of all the same, if not more than ever.
+ Show Spoiler +
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I wouldn't want the antagonising to stop ^^ just because you now know I'm a kid doesn't mean you have to treat me different, as I haven't changed at all. Thanks for the compliments, hopefully we can do some more HotS LP games nights :D
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Katowice25012 Posts
Don't worry kollin I knew you were young from our interactions.
I'm pretty sure I was about that age when I was first involved with an RTS website too. Wax wasn't much older when TL was started and he was the first writer on the site.
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Good to know I'm not alone then ^^
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I must say, you're really good at handling interactions with older people you don't know.
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United States10107 Posts
im 16 and you have probably 3 times the amount of maturity and writing skills as i do.
turn it into something good
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Only on TL do i feel old...
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Canada13389 Posts
On February 28 2013 02:46 Pulselol wrote:
goddamn i feel old as fuck being 21
Im 24. I know how that feels haha
Anyway, who cares if you are 13 if you do the job well Just dont go giving me life advice about girls alright  . One day, your girl blog will come one day ...
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On February 28 2013 08:07 heyoka wrote:
Don't worry kollin I knew you were young from our interactions.
I'm pretty sure I was about that age when I was first involved with an RTS website too. Wax wasn't much older when TL was started and he was the first writer on the site.
Huh? Really? I would have never guessed that, I know that Wax has been a writer, but I didn't realize how young he was when he became the first writer or that he was the first writer. The more you know  . GL Kollin, being young is ok, so long as you carry yourself in a manner that makes people happy to be around you.
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You write very well for your age, considering that the general stereotypical cohort of people around your age isn't well known for good writing and the ability to articulate ideas and thoughts. Of course, you also possess something many people lack - a different set of worries and pressures on your time. You're doing a good job, and it's about the right time to come clean since you're not "illegal" anymore. (COPPA is kindof nuanced, but most sites tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential liabilities under it.)
Also, to people that are feeling old and are in their 20s - get off my lawn, you darn kids! (The "internet" was a suggestion when I was 11, and I thought dial-up BBS systems were amazing. Cell phones looked like this. You can hang out on my lawn if you want to, kollin, you're a pretty cool guy.
+ Show Spoiler +That sounds... wrong somehow. But you get what I mean. I hope. Gah. Now I absolutely feel old. :/
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I smell bologna. You simply write too well for someone who is only 13. Mind you, never having seen you discuss your age, I had you pegged at about 16-18, so I suppose that's not too far off. Keep writing well and no one's gonna give you crap, and I see no reason to indicate that won't be the case.
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Damn lol. I knew you were on the young side, but not that young.
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You're way cooler than I was when I was 13. Gl with the writing, man!
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Switzerland2892 Posts
On February 28 2013 07:17 KadaverBB wrote:Can you get a mic now so we can play dota2 properly? Please?
Yeah, I want to hear you rage next time, get a mic
And find a way to come to DH summer
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Magic Woods9326 Posts
On March 01 2013 01:19 pPingu wrote:Show nested quote +On February 28 2013 07:17 KadaverBB wrote:Can you get a mic now so we can play dota2 properly? Please? Yeah, I want to hear you rage next time, get a mic And find a way to come to DH summer
This please. I want to pat you on the head.
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Netherlands45349 Posts
Pics
I don't believe you
O.o.
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If you are born in 99 you:
were born 5 years after the The Lion King.
were born 4 years after Toy Story
were only 2 years old when Shrek was released
were born 5 years after the first season of Friends
were born 2 years after the first season of Buffy
were born 1 year after the last season of Seinfeld
were only 1 year old when the PS2 was released
weren't alive during any SEGA console launch date
probally don't remember 9/11
were born on the same year Pokemon Gold and Silver were released
may never had to blow a cartridge to make it work
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lol I would never have guessed you were that young if you didnt tell me XD
were only 1 year old when the PS2 was released
This seriously just blew my mind.
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I remember owning a PS2 actually. I think I played like LEGO Star Wars or something on it ^^
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Lol you write very well for your age keep it up.
God im old... 28
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On March 02 2013 01:20 kollin wrote:
I remember owning a PS2 actually. I think I played like LEGO Star Wars or something on it ^^
yeah but you have to go and play all the great rpgs for the ps1!
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I was thinking about downloading FF VI and VII on an emulator actually.
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both are great. Skip VIII and go straight to IX if you get into them
The dialogue and stories of the old ones are a lot more badass then the newer ones. In VII your a terrorist out to destroy the power supply of a city with explosives, and in IX you start as a thief planning to drug and kidnap a princess for profit.
You should definitely play through them
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That's pretty interesting actually, there aren't many games (at least modern games) that have you as the villain in the beginning.
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I am not sure if this is a troll blog or not -.-
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EPT
